It struck me recently that, if you have a lot of self-confidence, it does not mean you have a high self-esteem. There is a very big difference. I know many people with a lot of self-confidence, and yet they still have a low self-esteem. I do believe we can move from one to the other as we go through life. Being an athlete, and wanting to compete in the Olympic Games in London in 2012, means there is a lot of time to prefect both.
What is the difference between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem?
Self-Confidence - we believe in our ability to achieve amazing results. We seldom doubt what we undertake, and we believe it will turn out to our expectations. This is a very important quality to have in any sport, or in life in general.
Self-Esteem - we care about ourselves, and we really love who we are as a person (deep down inside). It has little to do with our ability to achieve. However, I do believe they go hand in hand.
You will often see people who have a low self-esteem appear to have loads of self-confidence - to the point of arrogance. That is how they compensate for the low self-esteem. The boxer Mike Tyson is a good example of this. I can think of a few singers and film stars that also fit this bill as well.
Here are a few hints and tips to get a great self-esteem.
- Stop believing you are a victim.
- Never fear change - welcome it into your life as an opportunity.
- Stop regretting past decisions - they are just “so what”.
- Stop putting yourself down in front of others.
- Stop apologising for anything and everything - for being alive.
- Stop engaging in self-sabotage.
- Stop criticising yourself and others.
- Never compare yourself to anyone else. Be your own best.
It is impossible to live a happy life with a low self-esteem!
A low self-esteem creeps in over a long period of time. Often we are not even aware we suffer from this. A low self-esteem causes you to question - what is life all about ? Why do I feel so lonely and miserable deep down inside ? These are sure signs of a low self-esteem.
You can remove this stress by having the feeling of being a great person. You have every right to be on this planet. You have every right to compete and to win. Nothing and no-one can take that away from you without your permission. Realise this, and your self-esteem will grow.
Our athletes for the 2012 London Olympics must have a lot of self-confidence - but just as importantly, they need great self-esteem. This will give them confidence (without arrogance) and make them winners in their own right. I think we could all use this in our lives.
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